NFL: Week 3 preview capsules

Sunday’s games

49ers (+2 1/2) at Cincinnati, 10 a.m. Channel: 2 Channel: 40 : Niners’ first road game – and they will remain in the East before their second next week at Philadelphia. 49ERS, 16-13

N.Y. Jets (-3 1/2) at Raiders, 1:05 p.m.Channel: 5 Channel: 13 Channel: 46 : This would be the upset special if the Raiders were healthier. They should at least cover.

JETS, 20-19

Detroit (-3 1/2) at Minnesota, 10 a.m.: The Vikings are 0-2 and, while they haven’t been nearly as hapless as some of the other winless squads, they twice have blown late leads. In this game, they aren’t likely to have a late lead. Or any sort of lead, unless the Lions get cocky. LIONS, 24-16

N.Y. Giants (OFF) at Philadelphia, 10 a.m.: Michael Vick’s status clouds this game and eliminates any betting line. But the Eagles still are the healthier (and superior) team.

EAGLES, 24-17

New England (-4) at Buffalo, 10 a.m.: We usually like home underdogs. In this case, though, see last week: “Until otherwise notified, the Patriots will be the choice to cover, whatever the spread.” PATRIOTS, 41-28

Denver (+6 1/2) at Tennessee, 10 a.m.: The Titans come off a big win without getting much from Chris Johnson. They’ll get plenty this week. TITANS, 24-20

Jacksonville (+3 1/2) at Carolina, 10 a.m.: Time for Cam Newton to either come down to earth, or get his first pro win.

PANTHERS, 27-16

Houston (+4) at New Orleans, 10 a.m.: Inside the Superdome could be a true proving ground for the Texans. Or not. SAINTS, 34-27

Kansas City (+14 1/2) at San Diego, 1:05 p.m.: Chiefs have been the league’s worst team by far. Can’t believe they are really that bad.

CHARGERS, 30-20

Baltimore (-4) at St. Louis, 1:05 p.m.: Winless and battered is no way to face the angry (at themselves) Ravens. RAVENS, 17-10

Arizona (-3 1/2) at Seattle, 1:05 p.m.: OK, forget about that attraction to home underdogs.CARDINALS, 23-10

Atlanta (+1 1/2) at Tampa Bay, 1:15 p.m.: If this game is close in the final period, count on Freeman and the Bucs. BUCS, 24-23

Miami (+2 1/2) at Cleveland, 1:15 p.m.: Let the weirdness continue for the Dolphins: lose at home, win on the road. DOLPHINS, 16-13